Betty Ree Holzwarth

1931 - 2025

Betty was born on April 1, 1931, to Kellog and Gladys Orgain in Wibaux, Montana. She passed away on November 6, 2025, in Bigfork, Montana, at age 94.

Betty was joined in the family household by her brother Robert (Bob) in December 1933. Her early years found the family moving from Wibaux to Bainville, Red Lodge, and then to Oakland during WWII, where her dad worked in the naval shipyards. After the war, the family moved back to Wibaux, where Mom attended high school. At that time, girls were only allowed to play half-court basketball – Mom said she was an "offensive specialist". After high school, Mom earned a nursing degree from The Presentation School of Nursing in Miles City.

Betty met and married Arnie Vern Holzwarth in Miles City. Together, they raised three boys – Michael, Ricky, and Terry. Mike was born in Miles City, while Rick and Terry were born in Lewistown. The family moved to Townsend in 1965, where Dad worked for Mountain Bell while Mom worked part-time so she could be hands-on raising three boys. Both parents attended the various sporting events and all the activities that go along with raising a family. They enjoyed many wonderful lifelong friends in Townsend. After the boys finished high school, Dad's job took him to Helena in 1981, where they quickly established more close friends. Dad passed in 1999.

After Dad's passing, and as per Mom's wishes, the family purchased a small condo in Big Sky where they met for major holidays and where she could really get to know her four grandkids – this was a special time for her. Mom and Rick moved from Helena to Bigfork three years ago so she could be closer to her family. She was very fortunate to have Rick as her long-time caregiver, and the family is very thankful to Rick.

Betty was always active. In Helena, she enjoyed water aerobics three times a week, she volunteered once a week at St. Peter's Hospital for over 20 years, she joined a travel group and took numerous trips - Italy, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, plus several places in the US. In addition, she loved playing golf and enjoyed the game for at least 45 years – she played her last nine holes shortly after her 90th birthday. Mom was an avid sports fan. Football season found her at the MSU Bobcat games on Saturday and watching her beloved Green Bay Packers on Sunday. She loved baseball and said when she walked into a baseball stadium, "all was right in the world". College and pro basketball, the Olympics – she enjoyed it all. She was also an avid reader – paperbacks, her Kindle, and her Bible were always close at hand. Mom had a God given gift of humor and wit, which was on display until the day she passed.

Betty is survived by her three sons, Michael (Mary), Ricky, Terry (Jodi); her four grandkids, Kevin Holzwarth (Micaleen), Sammie Holzwarth (Andrew), Lindsey Koch (RJ), and Jacob Holzwarth; five great grandkids, Hanalei and Maverick Holzwarth, Riley Carey, and Kolby and Dawson Koch. Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Marion Glodt, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arnie, her parents, her stepdad Noel Dolven, her brother Robert and his wife Dorthy, Arnie's brother Clair, two brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law – Lester and Iona Schied and Earl Goldt.

Mom always said the key to a long life was being loved – she was loved by many and will be dearly missed by many.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Fort Harrison in Helena, Montana, with a reception to follow at the Great Northern Hotel. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.